Honoring National Migration Week

By Audrey Hill

National Migration Week is an opportunity for the Catholic Church to reflect on the history of immigrants in the United States and the way they have shaped the Church and the nation. This year, National Migration Week (NMW) is held from September 21-27.

“[NMW] is also an occasion to grow in appreciation of the challenges faced by migrants and refugees, both in the United States and beyond, and to express solidarity through prayer, accompaniment, and advocacy,” noted the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website.

On the final day of the week, September 27, the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WMDR) is honored globally.

Pope Leo XIV chose "Even just one of these children" for this year's WDMR theme, which references Matthew 18:5: “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” When this theme was announced, the Vatican noted, “With this choice, the Holy Father intends to express the Church’s concern for minors directly involved in migration, recalling the duty to welcome each one of them as the Gospel teaches us.”

Throughout its history, The Catholic University of America has developed academic programming, partnerships, and advocacy efforts to support immigrants and advance understanding of immigration. President Peter K. Kilpatrick is an observer of the USCCB's Evangelical-Catholic Dialogue on Immigration. Under his leadership, the University has collaborated with the USCCB on events to better understand and respond to global migration.

At Catholic University, the Columbus School of Law’s Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Clinic provides legal assistance to immigrants seeking asylum and other forms of humanitarian protection. The Immigration Law and Policy Initiative (ILPI) advances teaching, research, policy reform, and advocacy to protect the rights and dignity of individuals fleeing their home countries and seeking refuge in the U.S. On September 23, Ashley Feasley, the legal expert in residence for ILPI, served as one of the panelists at the USCCB’s 2026 World Day of Migrants and Refugees Webinar, which focused on issues related to child migration.

Additionally, the USCCB and the Vatican have developed resources for National Migration Week and the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, including bilingual materials. Explore the resources.